Illegal gold mining, known locally as “galamsey,” has been a significant issue in Ghana for years, leading to widespread environmental damage, loss of government revenue, and poor working conditions for miners. In response to this growing problem, Ghana’s President John Mahama officially inaugurated the GOLDBOD Task Force on July 8, 2025. This initiative aims to clamp down on illegal gold mining operations by providing enhanced security measures and a more robust legal framework for the industry.
The gold mining sector is vital to Ghana’s economy, as the country is one of the world’s largest producers of gold. However, illegal mining has become a growing concern due to its devastating environmental impact. Streams and rivers have been contaminated with mercury, a common chemical used in gold extraction, while forests and farmlands have been destroyed by the digging of unregulated mine pits. The Ghanaian government has been under increasing pressure to address these issues, which have also led to significant revenue losses from taxes and permits that are not collected from illegal miners.
The GOLDBOD Task Force will consist of a team of security personnel, military officers, and mining experts tasked with monitoring mining operations across the country. This task force has been granted the authority to arrest and detain individuals involved in illegal mining, ensuring that enforcement of the law is effective and swift. The government is also working with local communities to educate miners on the dangers of illegal mining and to encourage them to shift to legal mining operations.
In addition to the enforcement of laws, the task force aims to formalize the gold mining industry by helping miners transition to legally registered operations. The Ghana Gold Board, established in January 2025, has been working to regulate the sector and ensure that mining is done in a way that benefits the country. The goal is to create a formalized market where miners can pay taxes and contribute to national development while adhering to environmental regulations.
President Mahama emphasized that while illegal gold mining has provided economic opportunities for many, it also comes with a heavy cost in terms of environmental destruction and loss of government revenue. The GOLDBOD Task Force is expected to play a critical role in restoring order to the gold mining sector and ensuring that the country’s gold resources are harnessed in a way that benefits both miners and the broader economy.
Ghana’s efforts to regulate illegal gold mining are also supported by international organizations, which have highlighted the need for greater enforcement of environmental regulations. As the task force begins its operations, it is likely that Ghana will see a reduction in illegal mining activities, leading to cleaner rivers, healthier ecosystems, and more revenue flowing into the country’s coffers.
The success of the GOLDBOD Task Force will depend on cooperation between the government, the mining sector, and local communities. By working together, they hope to achieve a more sustainable and profitable gold mining industry that will contribute to Ghana’s long-term economic prosperity.
